Local Radio’s Secret Sauce: 5 Facts and Strategies to Engage Listeners & Advertisers
Research conducted by Harker Bos Group, October 2024, surveying over 1,700 radio listeners nationwide aged 18-45.
In a time when endless streaming options seem to dominate the media landscape, we were curious: why do young listeners still tune into local radio? In a recent survey conducted with over 1,700 radio fans across the country, we dug into the heart of what makes local radio stations so appealing to listeners aged 18-45. What we found was a strong and enthusiastic relationship between young audiences and their local stations—proof that radio is far from a relic of the past. From music discovery to community connection, here’s what young listeners had to say about why they love local radio and how stations can harness these insights to stay vibrant and relevant.
1. Music Variety and Discovery
Local radio’s unique blend of music hits the sweet spot for listeners seeking variety. Many respondents noted that they love hearing new songs alongside classics and trending hits. For busy listeners, radio’s unpredictability provides a break from creating playlists and lets them discover new music without lifting a finger.
“I like to listen to my local radio stations while I’m driving to work or on my way home,” shared one listener. “They always have a good mix of new songs and throwbacks, and I never know what’s coming next.”
Another young fan put it simply, “Radio keeps my playlist fresh. I’d probably listen to the same songs on repeat without it!”
How stations can lean in: Promote the station’s role as a go-to source for music discovery. Highlight that you offer the perfect mix of fresh hits and beloved classics that listeners don’t need to curate themselves. Show advertisers that your audience loves discovering new music with you—an experience they can’t get from pre-set playlists.
2. Community Connection
For these listeners, local radio isn’t just about the music; it’s about staying plugged into their community. With local news, weather updates, and event announcements, radio stations help people feel in tune with their hometowns. The local hosts also add a familiar voice that many listeners say makes them feel connected and included.
“Listening to local radio keeps me updated about what’s going on in my city,” one respondent shared. “I know I’ll hear about local events or concerts and get real-time traffic and weather updates.”
Another listener described radio as “a lifeline to what’s happening around town,” with radio hosts who “understand what it’s like to live here.”
How stations can lean in: Emphasize your connection to the community in your sales pitches. Demonstrate to advertisers that radio has a uniquely local appeal, with stations supporting local events and sharing real-time news. Radio isn’t just background noise—it’s a community platform where people feel at home.
3. Entertainment and Relaxation
Beyond music and community updates, listeners also love radio for its entertainment value. Morning shows, contests, and talk segments give radio an extra edge over other media, making listeners laugh, think, and feel connected in new ways.
“It’s a great way to start my day,” shared one listener. “The hosts make me laugh on my way to work, and the contests are fun—I even won concert tickets once!”
Another fan said, “Radio is my background companion when I’m driving or working around the house. It’s a constant source of entertainment.”
How stations can lean in: Make your unique shows and segments a centerpiece of your advertising. Local radio is about more than just music; it’s a full package of entertainment that keeps people coming back. Show advertisers that these interactions—whether it’s a quirky morning show or a midday contest—drive real engagement and keep listeners tuning in day after day.
4. Convenience and Accessibility
One thing that hasn’t changed is the convenience factor: radio is just there, ready to go at the push of a button, especially while driving. For many, this ease of use is a major plus, especially when compared to the hassle of queuing up playlists or dealing with streaming services that drain data or battery life.
“I love that I don’t have to worry about picking the next song,” one listener explained. “When I’m in my car, it’s easy to just turn on the radio and get lost in the music.”
Another said, “It’s nice not having to think about it. Sometimes, you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride without being the DJ.”
How stations can lean in: Highlight radio’s simplicity and ease of access. The fact that it’s quick and ready to go, especially while commuting, makes radio a reliable option for busy listeners. Advertisers should see radio as a dependable way to reach people who are “always on” and ready to listen without needing an app or a login.
5. Nostalgia and Habit
Radio’s enduring legacy gives it a unique charm, with many young listeners saying they’ve grown up with it and can’t imagine driving or working without it. Some listeners even noted that tuning into their favorite local station is a bit of nostalgia, a comforting throwback to when they first started listening.
One listener put it beautifully: “I grew up on this station. My parents would play it on our way to school, and it’s still what I listen to when I need a pick-me-up.”
Another added, “There’s something about the familiar voice of the DJ that makes me feel at home.”
How stations can lean in: Remind advertisers that radio isn’t just relevant; it’s a cherished part of listeners’ routines. The sense of nostalgia and tradition makes radio an emotional choice for many people—a perfect platform to build brand loyalty and establish long-term connections with customers.
A Bright Future for Local Radio
The findings from this study underscore that local radio remains a beloved medium for young audiences. With 45 as the oldest age in this cohort, these insights show that radio has a strong foothold in the hearts and routines of younger listeners. From discovering new music to staying connected to their community, these young adults are proof that local radio is alive and well, thriving by adapting to the needs and preferences of its audience.
As radio stations look to the future, leaning into these strengths can help grow their listenership even more. By promoting the variety, community, and convenience that radio provides, stations can position themselves as essential, irreplaceable parts of their listeners’ lives.
For advertisers, this means a valuable opportunity to connect with a young, engaged, and loyal audience that loves and trusts its local radio stations. Radio isn’t just surviving; it’s thriving—right in the hearts of young listeners across the nation.